A woman from Wales found herself in a harrowing situation recently when she crashed into a lorry on the M4 motorway while driving under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred near junction 16 on the outskirts of Swindon on February 4th. Despite causing significant damage to her Peugeot in the collision, the woman, identified as Helen Bradshaw, failed to stop at the scene of the accident, raising concerns about her state of mind and judgement at the time.
Following the trail of skid marks and plastic debris left behind by the crash, officers were able to locate Bradshaw in a lay-by, where she was seen revving her car’s engine loudly as she attempted to move the vehicle back and forth. Initially, Bradshaw denied being the driver at the time of the collision, but later admitted to being behind the wheel. This admission prompted officers to conduct a roadside breath test, which revealed that Bradshaw was three times over the legal alcohol limit.
As a result of her dangerous actions, Bradshaw was promptly arrested on suspicion of drink driving. Subsequently, she appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on February 17th and pleaded guilty to the offence, as well as driving without third party insurance. The court handed down a 20-month driving ban to Bradshaw, highlighting the severity of her actions and the potential consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Roads policing sergeant Will Ayres expressed his shock at the incident, emphasising the known risks and dangers associated with drink driving. He pointed out that Bradshaw’s reckless behaviour not only resulted in significant damage to her vehicle but also posed a serious threat to herself and others on the road. Drink driving is considered one of the ‘fatal five’ offences, all of which significantly increase the likelihood of being involved in a fatal or serious collision.
In addition to the driving ban, Bradshaw was also given a 12-month community order, which includes completing 20 days of rehabilitation activity and paying a total of £299 to the court. These consequences serve as a stark reminder of the potential legal and personal repercussions of driving under the influence of alcohol. Despite the availability of alternative transportation methods and increased awareness campaigns, instances of drink driving continue to pose a significant risk to public safety.
The case of Helen Bradshaw serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for individuals to act responsibly and make informed decisions when it comes to driving. By refraining from driving under the influence and prioritising safety on the roads, drivers can help prevent unnecessary accidents and protect themselves and others from harm. As the authorities work to enforce stricter penalties and raise awareness about the dangers of drink driving, it is essential for all individuals to take personal responsibility and prioritise safe driving practices.